PACK EXPO recap

摘要

There's nothing quite like PACK EXPO for getting a fix on where things in the packaging space might be headed. A few random observations, if I may. Should we expect more consolidation in the near term? A booth-side chat with Bill Hoagland, President and CEO at Engage Technologies, made it seem plausible. With four companies already under the Engage banner, Hoagland recently added AFM (formerly NAFM), a maker of shrink-sleeve labeling equipment. "With an existing and proven distribution network already in place, the acquisition made a lot of sense," Hoagland told me. "Synergies are good, too. For example, we can combine a Squid Ink thermal-transfer printer and an AFM sleeve labeler in one integrated system. Customers benefit, too, as more equipment becomes available from one source." Additional acquisitions, said Hoagland, are being explored at Engage Technologies-for all of the reasons mentioned above. Makes me wonder how many others might pursue such a strategy.